In a shocking move to the New Orleans VooDoo and the USFL, greyghost shifted the long time stability that had been given to the New Orleans franchise to the Georgia Force a division rival. "This was a tough call, but in the end it was a matter of viewing change as part of the growth process and the move is part of that. The staff, players, and coaches accomplished many great things over the past 9 seasons and they will always be viewed in a positive light. That is except the 2 times a season we play them." The Force had 6 owners in its history and has been inconsistent during those times, greyghost hopes to change that.

The new Georgia Force front office wasted no time sending a #2 draft pick to the Portland Storm for QB Allen Rose. "Rose is the starter today, but it is his call for how long. We haven't decided what we are doing in the draft yet, but he is the future QB of the franchise currently." said ghost.
The 2nd trade of the day came as they sent a #2 draft pick to the Baltimore Stars for DE Jesse Washington. "Washington brings versatility and much needed depth." added ghost. The Force also added two coaches promoting QB coach Ernest Knox to Defensive coordinator and signing new tight end Coach Raymond Kern. To finish out the day, the team signed 26 players and cut 2 to bring the roster to 60.

Now on to the draft and it will be interesting to see what unfolds next.....to be continued

Before the ink was dry on the previous update.....another change in the organization took place with a Tampa Bay trade for the #1 pick. The Force sent the #1 overall pick to Tampa Bay for 1984 Round 1 Selection 4, 1985 Round 2, and 1986 Round 3. "We didn't have a solid choice that we wanted at #1 and this will help us add quality players down the road. The 1-4 pick well, let's just say we have it for now." said ghost.

Off in the distance a building can be seen, there is a smokestack attached with smoke streaming out of it. Inside the building many people are hustling from machine to machine and computer to computer, sweat streaming off their brows, this is the local power company. The reason is there is extra power needed is for the Georgia Force front office. It is draft time and everyone in the organization is working overtime.

It has been a busy 48 in the Force Headquarters as the organization is undergoing major reconstructing with the new ownership. The last 24 has been a whirlwind as there have been several trades made.



The Force send 1984 Round 1 Selection 1 to the Bandits for 1984 Round 1 Selection 4, 1985 Round 2, and 1986 Round 3 picks.

GM Analysis: We wanted to move the #1 overall pick, the initial thoughts were to trade down further in the draft, but couldn’t pass on the offer. The thought was after the deal to trade down further dealing the 1-4 and acquire some additional picks.



The Force send WLB Chris Elmore to the Showboats for 1984 Round 2 Selection 20, 1984 Round 5 Selection 15 (from Baltimore), and 1985 Round 3 picks.

GM Analysis: This was an unexpected trade, but after reviewing our LB depth, we determined it was in the best interest to move Elmore. He is a great player, but it was determined the draft picks was needed more and we wouldn’t take a huge hit at LB.



The Force send WR Norman Shaw, DE Elton Engler, TE Raulph Beaudry, and CB Harold Lindsay to the Sun for RB Ronald Miller, FB Mark Field, RG James Clay, and RG David Ellis.

GM Analysis: Our viewpoint was dealing Shaw and acquiring the younger Miller strengthened the backfield for the next several seasons. Shaw is a great receiver, but he alone was not a receiving corps and by the time we could build it up, he would be too old. The sticking point that almost killed the deal on the Force end was the addition of TE Beaudry, he is a good young TE that we didn’t want to give up, but in the end we did pick up a FB and built up the running back corps by adding FB Field.



The Force send 1984 Round 1 Selection 4 (from Tampa Bay) to Showboats for 1984 Round 1 Selection 20, 1984 Round 3 Selection 2 (Boston), and 1985 Round 4 picks.

GM analysis: Well this was mentioned above. We got to the point we wanted in the draft and acquired 4 additional picks in the process. It turned out better than expected.



The Force send 1984 Round 3 Selection 8 (Orlando) and 1985 Round 1 (Georgia) to Oklahoma for 1984 Round 1 Selection 9.

GM Analysis: We reviewed the draft and saw 2 players that we would take with this pick and decided to acquire an additional #1 while sacrificing part of the future. We were looking at QB Kimbrough and OL Simmonds. We decided the need on the OL was greater than the need for QB.



Day 1 of the draft continues and the offices of the Force have not slowed. Cots have been set up for employees that plan on continue to work for the entire draft and the employee cafeteria will remain open.

Funny thing
At work, our main "rival" company is called "tour de force"

This is why some coaches like rebuilds. There is much more to do than just routine maintenance. You must operate with a sense of urgency because a "laissez faire" approach means your team is going to get destroyed. And, there can be a great feeling of accomplishment when your team is competitive again.

I like that you guys try to add some french!
Very inclusive !

The trash is being emptied and cots are being put in storage as the end of the 1984 has arrived. The phones have gone silent as the Storm front office now readies to see the results of training camp. “We feel we added many needed positions and expect several starters out of the players drafted and hope to added a few more with free agency and trades.” said greyghost.



The Draft and Analysis(Top 3 rounds):

1-9 C Jack Simmonds (Vanderbilt)

Analysis: Simmonds is smart, strong and fast, can play multiple positions on the line. He would be the starting center, while stabilizing the offensive line today. The Force needed a safe bet to start building in a positive direction and Simmonds is it.

Pre training camp potential: 88

1-20 MLB Leo Frederick (Ohio State)

Another safe choice in the building process. Frederick has the potential to be a big time LB. He has quickness, strength, great against the run and pass. If he has a good training, he could be with Force for years to come.

Pre training camp potential: 79

2-1 RB Ruben Brannon (USC)

There were a few players looked at with this pick and it was finally decided that adding Brannon with his exception qualities at not just a 3rd RB, but also at TE and WR. He is expected to play all positions and due to his versality will enable the Force to focus their resources on other positions.

Pre training camp potential: 79

2-16 LG Michael Morris (UCLA)

Morris comes with a little more risk than Simmonds, but is just as strong and quick. He is expected to be the starting LG. He could become a monster with a good training camp.

Pre training camp potential: 84

2-20 WLB Caleb Raley (Wake Forest)

Caleb was actually being looked at with the 2-1, imagine the front office surprise when he was still there at 20. “We think if Caleb has a good training camp, then he will be a defensive stud and part of the force for years to come” said owner greyghost. Raley is expected to start day one.

Pre training camp potential: 75

“It is tough to know at this point how much the trades we made prior and during the draft will improve the roster. We are happy for our additions and picked up a few picks in the future. We should be able to reach our initial goal of 3 wins, but much will be determined by the length of time our rookies progress” added ghost.

Opening Day is here for the 1984 season and it is going to be a new chapter in Georgia Force history. Gone are the rotating owners, the elder and talentless players. The new and improved Force is here and their talent level is at an all-time high. “We have weapons and plans for those weapons. The main concept for the front office and coaching staff is too maintain their patience and let the players develop” said Owner greyghost.

The opening game will be a monumental task as the Force travel to New Orleans to play the powerhouse VooDoo. The interesting backstory here is that was the team greyghost left last season to join the Force. “Sure, this is a challenge, but every game will be for our team this season. There are not too many teams in the USFL/WFL that have started 8 rookies in the opening contest” added ghost. That’s right the Force might have one of the youngest starting teams in the league. They will have 8 rookies, 4 second year players, 3 third year players, and 4 fourth year players. The long-term veterans on the starting roster newly acquired starters QB Allen Rose (7th) and DE Jessie Washington(5th).

Greyghost has already stated their goal for wins this season is 3, but would consider the season a huge success if they could finish 8-8. The guns are loaded and the new Georgia team is ready to take the field. It is going to be an exciting season in Georgia.

To say times have changed in the Georgia Force history would be an understatement. In the 1983 season the Force started 0-4 and allowed an average of 32 pts on defense and scored 9 points a game on offense at this same point. In 1984 they stand at 2-2 have allowed 15 points per game and scored an average of 19 points per game. The team was ranked 30th in offense and 24th in defense to finish the 1983 campaign. They are currently ranked 6th on offense and 4th on defense in yardage. “We are very happy with how the team has performed. We expected to be 1-3 at best at this point. The amazing thing is with a couple bounces our way, we could be very easily 4-0. Our 2 losses were in the final minutes.” said greyghost.

There are many stories on the offensive side of the ball, but there are a few that stand out at this point. First is 4th year RB Ronald Miller acquired from Southern California in the off-season has 290 rushing yards and 226 receiving yards. He is on a pace for 2000 total yards. The other story is first year starter QB Allen Rose. Rose, acquired from Portland was the backup QB for 4 seasons has not set the league on fire, but brought stability to the QB position with 1000 yards and 5 td’s. He has found 2 main receivers in the process. First, resurrecting long time Force veteran Jonathan Carlyle who toying with the thought of eclipsing his career season high mark of 1200 yards. The second and most interesting story is an important acquisition from greyghost’s former team wr/rb/te Eddie Freed. “Eddie was a guy we picked up as a free agent in New Orleans. Due to the depth we had there couldn’t find a sport for him. We saw he was on the trading block and thought we could use him.” added ghost. He has received playing time at RB, TE and WR, with coaching staff thinking so highly of his work ethic and his teamwork, naming him one of the captains. “He is the kind of player that goes un-noticed in the box score, but makes all the catches or runs to get those important first downs. He will retire as a member of the Force” said ghost.

On defense there are similar stories, but the thing opposing teams are becoming aware of is the Force LB corps can play. They are fast, strong, and intelligent, oh yes did I mention they are young. WLB Caleb Raley and MLB Leo Frederick are both rookies and SLB John Rodriquez is in his 2nd season. Raley who has been banged up could possibly be the fastest and strongest LB in the league. He is backed up by 2nd LB Zachary Martin who also lines up at defensive back. He is a little slower than Raley, but could start on other teams. One of the more interesting defensive stories is another ex VooDoo player on the roster 14-year vet CB Donald Lopez was signed as a free agent. “Our goal is to create a sense of unity and family in the locker room and some former players promote that and we want that passed on to the younger players.” added ghost

The Force are on the rise and only time will tell how quickly. The front office has said they think the second half of the season when the younger players mature will be the sign of where the franchise is and what moves they will need to make going forward. There have been many changes from the 1-15 season from a year ago and the future is looking bright.

"Wow, this has been a fantastic start. To win our goal of 3 games by mid-season has signaled success beyond our wildest expectations.” said the owner greyghost. The Force have not set the world on fire, but have definitely served notice they are no longer the leagues doormat. They have done this by putting the talent and game plan together that has seen their defense rise on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

In 1983 the Force defense ranked 24th and allowed opponents to score at will. The 1984 defense has been stifling at times ranking 10th in overall yardage allowing more than 20 points twice out of their 8 contests. This has been done battling through injuries to future all-pro rookie LB’s Caleb Raley and Leo Frederick who have only been on the field together in two games this season. Fortunately for the Force they boast the best 4th LB in the game in Zachary Marshall who ranks second on the team in tackles. “Zach has been all over the field and he is relentless, a true gem and spark plug.” added ghost. The other player is having an all-pro caliber year is CB Ryan Franklin who has 44 tackles, 4 ints, and allowed a paltry reception allowed percentage of 34.1. He was recently locked into a 6-year deal and is obviously a big part of the Force defense for the future.

The defense in Georgia has made vast improvements, but the offense has kept stride, maybe even taking greater steps, going from the 31st ranked offense in 1983 to 14th today. In a normal world that would mean sunshine and rainbows, but the offense is far from that with mounting injuries. First staring offensive lineman rookie center Simmonds went down, followed by RG Fink, WR/RB Branson and most recently leading receiver Jonathan Carlyle who is expected to miss most of the remainder of this season. Now comes rumblings within the organization about their displeasure in the production of QB Alan Rose. “These are the times that builds championship organizations. A winner must overcome adversity, from wherever it raises its head’” said ghost. Though there have been issues on offense, but there have been bright spots first is banged up RB Ronald Miller who has 800 total yards. He is on a career pace to more than eclipse his previous high of 1000. Second is rookie standout WR Kenny Heasley. Heasley drafted in the 4th round has complied and 29 receptions for 327 yards and 3 scores. The organization refers to Heasley as a poor man's James Sheckler.

The production of the Force from here on out only serves as a building block for the team and a 5-3 record to close out could serve as just that putting the team .500 for a season. The future of football is looking bright in Georgia.